Reading is important for kids year-round, but the holidays present an extra opportunity for parents to form warm memories and create cherished traditions by reading new and classic holiday stories to their children.

One new Christmas book is an especially good gift idea for Oklahoma children: “The Twelve Days of Christmas in Oklahoma,” written by Tammi Sauer and illustrated by Victoria Hutto, both Oklahoma residents.

The book is part of Sterling Publishing's “The Twelve Days of Christmas in America” series and focuses on interesting, distinctive and unusual things to do and see that are unique to Oklahoma.

“Reading books together can create warm and memorable moments for families,” Sauer said. “Not only can books evoke laughter, emotion and understanding, but they can spur wonderful conversations as well.”

“The Twelve Days of Christmas in Oklahoma” is written from the perspective of a little girl named Addison, who is visiting her cousin Ethan for the holidays in Oklahoma. Through her letters home to her mom and dad, Addison tells of all the adventures she has with Ethan in Oklahoma, including visiting many well-known Oklahoma sites such as the Blue Whale of Catoosa on Route 66, The National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum in Oklahoma City and Eskimo Joe's in Stillwater.

Addison's letters home are full of ideas for places to visit in Oklahoma for the holidays and throughout the year. From the Chickasha Festival of Light to Little Sahara State Park and the annual Sucker Day Parade in Wetumka, “The Twelve Days of Christmas in Oklahoma” takes readers to some of the state's most interesting locations.

Cultural treasures

Was it difficult deciding which of Oklahoma's many attractions to feature in the book?

“It was very tough,” Sauer said.

She's called Oklahoma City home for more than a decade and spends time each summer exploring the state's parks and lakes with her family. “Oklahoma has so much to offer! I did my best to showcase as many parts of Oklahoma as possible.”

MORE FROM NEWSOK

Since graduating from University of Central Oklahoma with a Bachelor's Degree in Journalism, Staff Writer Heather Warlick has written stories for The Oklahoman's Life section. Her beats have included science, health, home and garden, family,...